Lithuania orders more NASAMS and MSHORAD air-defence systems

Saab will integrate Lithuania's MSHORAD systems into JLTVs. (Saab Dynamics)

Lithuania has ordered more Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) and Saab Dynamics' Mobile Short-Range Air Defence (MSHORAD) systems, the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence (MND) and the Scandinavian companies announced on 4 October. The MND said on its website that a EUR234 million (nearly USD257 million) contract was signed for NASAMS on 3 October and a EUR130 million contract for MSHORAD on 1 October.

Additional NASAMS

The ministry said the NASAMS contract includes updates and improvements to Lithuania's existing NASAMS based on Ukraine's experience with the systems that the Baltic state has donated to it, in addition to the delivery of additional launchers, radars, and fire-control centres. Kongsberg said in a press release that NASAMS's modularity and open architecture allow the continuous introduction of new technology, ensuring that the system can adapt to new threats and missions throughout its lifetime.

Lithuania already ordered additional NASAMSs in December 2023. A Lithuanian MND spokesperson confirmed to Janes on 7 October that both that and the latest order are for NASAMS III.

Norway will also supply NASAMS missiles, according to the Lithuanian MND. The ministry spokesperson said that Lithuanian NASAMS III will be armed with the AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM), one of three types of missiles approved for NASAMS. In addition to AIM-120 AMRAAM, NASAMS can fire AIM-9X Sidewinder and AMRAAM-ER (extended range) missiles. The spokesperson would not disclose the current status of the US Foreign Military Sale of 36 AIM-120C-8s to Lithuania announced in October 2023, describing that information as “sensitive”.